Luxembourg:
this country of less than a million people has a far from negligible
railway network and a sophisticated train + bike policy. One aspect of
that policy is the existence of two bike trains, each of which can hold
80 bicycles. These cars can be reserved for a group or for cycle
events.

Objectives :

The
objective of the government is to promote the use of bikes. The
objective of this particular product is to have an offer to large
groups.

The
service is managed by CFL. The groups have to reserve their places five
days in advance, independently of the fact that they travel with a
bike. On inquiry, the bike – car is added to the composition of
a train and the cyclists reach it in the normal arrival of the train.
Car doors are very wide to allow an easy and fast load of bikes.

Organisation :

Idea/design

Investment/set-up

Management/operation

CFL

CFL

CFL

Funding :

Both
bike cars- are parked looking forward to a revision. Negotiations are
in progress as for the mode of financing of these renovations.

Communication :

No communication at all for this product.

Résults :

- Strengths :
The system is very flexible for the customer and constitutes a real
offer for groups, which otherwise are often refused access to trains
(holiday camps, events, etc.). The capacity of the trains is also an
asset: for instance, a group numbering 150 people was provided with
transportation to Paris.

- Weaknesses:
The system lacks flexibility as far as the railroad company is
concerned. The cars are aging and their use is limited because there
has been no promotion for the product. Lack of financial profitability.